Emergency medicine journal : EMJ
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Rupture of a splenic artery aneurysm remains an uncommon cause of hypovolaemic shock in the emergency department. This case report highlights that rapid resuscitation, diagnostic imaging, surgical consultation, and subsequent laparotomy remain the priorities in patient management.
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A short cut review was carried out to establish whether nasal erythema in a reindeer might be a useful navigational aid on Christmas Eve. From a search of nine papers, five presented evidence relevant to the question. The author, date and country of publication, "subjects" studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of these papers are presented in table 3. The clinical bottom line is that a reindeer with a red nose at rest at the North Pole would not inspire confidence.
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To examine the availability of working cameras in UK emergency departments and to discuss the merits of digital imaging over Polaroid. ⋯ We report a pronounced increase in the ability of emergency departments to photograph open fractures, due in part to the availability of digital cameras. We recommend the appropriate use of these tools in the management of open fractures.
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This paper aims to identify and review new and unproven emergency department (ED) methods for improved evaluation in cases of suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Systematic news coverage through PubMed from 2000 to 2006 identified papers on new methods for ED assessment of patients with suspected ACS. ⋯ None of these new methods is likely to be the perfect solution, and the best strategy today is therefore a combination of modern methods, where the optimal protocol depends on local resources and expertise. With a suitable combination of new methods, it is likely that more patients can be managed as outpatients, that length of stay can be shortened for those admitted, and that some patients with ACS can get earlier treatment.
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A short cut review was carried out to establish whether an epidural infusion provided any advantage over intravenous analgesia in the management of blunt thoracic trauma. Only four papers presented evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of this paper are presented in table 2. The clinical bottom line is that epidural analgesia may provide better pain relief, but may not alter clinical outcomes.